]]>http://swexp.com/nuclear-magnetic-res-pres/feed/0477Field Testing the Cutting Edge Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Tool from Vista Clarahttp://swexp.com/field-testing-the-cutting-edge-nuclear-magnetic-resonance-nmr-tool-from-vista-clara/
http://swexp.com/field-testing-the-cutting-edge-nuclear-magnetic-resonance-nmr-tool-from-vista-clara/#respondMon, 31 Oct 2016 23:19:33 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=430Over the past 3 months Southwest Exploration (SwExp) has been excited to be the first company to test and evaluate the new wireline NMR logging tools for groundwater applications. With the help of SwExp, a prototype version of the 3.5” wireline probe, (JPX350 and JPX525) were run successfully in July 2016 on two separate wells in Arizona. In addition, a team of engineers from our company and Vista Clara’s completed another successful operation running the JP350 and JP525 probes in a third well in rural Nevada in September. (see picture of JPX525 probe).

What does it do? The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or NMR logging tool directly detects the presence and quantity of hydrogen (and by association, groundwater and hydrocarbons) in the formation fluids independent of lithology utilizing a complex phenomenon known as pulsed proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This technology has been used for years on a larger scale in oil field applications. In 2010, Vista Clara (www.vista-clara.com) developed their Javelin logging system based on oilfield designs, but focusing on smaller diameter tools that can still see far out into the formation. The original Javelin system is a standalone system using a dedicated custom cable to reach depths of about 350m. SwExp has supported Vista Clara in testing of a new digital version of the Javelin system that operates on conventional wireline to greater depths and in the larger holes common to water well applications. Most recently, Vista Clara has developed two new versions of their Javelin probes, the JPX350 and the JPX525 probes, which will allow NMR logging at much deeper depths to up to 1000m.

How does it work? NMR is a phenomenon which occurs when the nuclei of certain atoms are immersed in a static magnetic field and exposed to a second oscillating magnetic field. Nuclei of atoms with an odd number of protons or neutrons such as hydrogen with one proton, have an NMR response. The hydrogen atoms behave like little bar magnets and will align preferably with the background field, in the resonance frequency. This allows the hydrogen protons to be manipulated such that thin discrete cylindrical shells can be measured around the logging probe. The NMR logging probe contains large permanent magnets to align the hydrogen protons and an antenna to transmit the radio-frequency (RF) signals to tip and manipulate the hydrogen protons and to measure the resulting NMR.

Large permanent magnets in the probe create a magnetic field that preferentially orients the hydrogen protons. Polarization is not instantaneous—it grows with a time constant, which is called the longitudinal relaxation time, denoted as T1. The hydrogen is then manipulated through a transmitted radio-frequency (RF) pulse to impose an oscillating magnetic field. This causes a change in the orientation of the hydrogen protons. The spinning protons begin to lose energy as the imposed magnetization, M0, decays and the protons fall out of alignment, back to their original orientation. The decay behavior of the signal over time, which is summarized by the transverse decay-time (T2) distribution, conveys more detailed information about the pore environment. A series of EM pulses are used to measure the activity the hydrogen atoms as they return to the equilibrium state. By emitting a series of radio-frequency pulses and recording the returning signal, Javelin measures the NMR response of groundwater in the sensitive zone, much like an MRI scanner measures the NMR response of tissues in the body. The characteristics of the measured NMR signal reflect the quantity of groundwater, as well as the hydrogeologic properties at a given depth. Specifically, the total amplitude of the signal directly and unambiguously indicates the total amount of groundwater. Generally, water in low-permeability silts and clays exhibits short T2, while water in high-permeability sands and gravels exhibits long T2.

NMR logging tools, like MRI medical scanners, are very sophisticated instruments. The NMR measurements respond to the presence of hydrogen protons in the formation fluid independent of lithology. Because these protons primarily occur in pore fluids, NMR effectively responds to the volume, composition, viscosity, and distribution of these fluids independent upon lithology. The T1 relaxation time responds to total porosity and viscosity of the fluid and is used to distinguish hydrocarbons from water. The T2 distribution responds to the total porosity as wells as the distribution of pore size and the fluid type. In ground water applications, the T2 distribution is usually sufficient to measure total porosity and distinguish between mobile water and bound irreducible water. The basis of this distribution is then used to model and estimate permeability and transmissivity of the formations (see picture below).

Figure showing the T2 distribution curve and the determination of bound and producible or movable fluids.

Figure showing the E-Logs along with the distribution of bound water (clay-bound and capillary or irreducible water) and free or mobile water with depth along with an estimate of permeability from several models from the JP350 NMR probe in a well in Arizona.

In short, the NMR tool is able to directly measure porosity, water content (bound vs. mobile), and sensitivity to pore size, as well as give an estimation of permeability and transmissivity. The new tool has an investigation diameter greater than 20 inches, and is able to detect the permeability, water content, etc. beyond the zone that has been disturbed by the drilling process. The applications of this data to the environmental, hydrological, and mining industries are limitless! We look forward to the continued collaboration with Vista Clara and building the foundation for NMR in the Western U.S. Please feel free to contact Southwest Exploration to learn more about this new technology!

]]>http://swexp.com/field-testing-the-cutting-edge-nuclear-magnetic-resonance-nmr-tool-from-vista-clara/feed/0430Geothermal Well Logging in Northern Nevadahttp://swexp.com/geothermal-well-logging-in-northern-nevada/
http://swexp.com/geothermal-well-logging-in-northern-nevada/#respondFri, 24 Jun 2016 17:45:31 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=381Two weeks ago, Truck 800 adventured into northern Nevada to do high-temperature Geophysical logging. This expedition was in support of a company exploring for conditions suitable to geothermal well production. The logs collected were Natural Gamma, 3-Arm Caliper, Temperature, and Acoustic Televiewer (ABI-43). The high-temperature ABI-43 tool was pushed near its upper temperature limit and collected a detailed image of the fracture network in the rock formation. This data was used by the client to try and pinpoint temperature anomalies in the well and how it related to individual fractures/features in the formation. We look forward to returning and doing more work on this project in the future, so stay tuned for further information!

]]>http://swexp.com/geothermal-well-logging-in-northern-nevada/feed/0381Truck 310 Logging in Southern Arizonahttp://swexp.com/truck-310-logging-in-southern-arizona/
http://swexp.com/truck-310-logging-in-southern-arizona/#respondMon, 04 Apr 2016 14:34:31 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=323Recently our newest logging vehicle, Truck 310, made a trip for Geophysical logging at a water production well in southern Arizona. A comprehensive suite of logs was run including: Caliper, Nat. Gamma, Temperature, Fluid Resistivity, Neutron, Density, Electric logs, Full Waveform Sonic, and Acoustic/Optical Televiewers. The logging tools were run to a depth of approximately 1100 feet. The high resolution Televiewer data coupled with the numerous other logs collected will aid the client in accurately determining fracture networks and zones conducive for water production. This project is ongoing and more pictures and information will be coming soon!

]]>http://swexp.com/truck-310-logging-in-southern-arizona/feed/0323Aerial View of Truck 310 Logging in Phoenix East Valleyhttp://swexp.com/aerial-view-of-truck-310-logging-in-phoenix-east-valley/
http://swexp.com/aerial-view-of-truck-310-logging-in-phoenix-east-valley/#respondThu, 24 Mar 2016 17:02:10 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=308Last week Truck 310 was out in the East Valley doing geophysical logging to a depth of approximately 1500 ft. The geophysical logs collected included Density, E-Logs, Full Waveform Sonic, and Acoustic Televiewer. The client for the project is doing local and regional scale water aquifer characterization and the data we collected will be a small part of aiding in that effort. Of particular interest are the air photos collected during this visit (see below). Seen here are two images of the drill site and our logging truck collected by a drone! The drone photographs give a new perspective to both the drill site and our logging operations, with an added bonus of vista of the Superstition Mountains in the background!

]]>http://swexp.com/aerial-view-of-truck-310-logging-in-phoenix-east-valley/feed/0308Horizontal Geophysical Logging near Tucson, AZhttp://swexp.com/horizontal-geophysical-logging-near-tucson-az/
http://swexp.com/horizontal-geophysical-logging-near-tucson-az/#respondFri, 19 Feb 2016 15:52:52 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=291Just before the Holiday season Southwest Exploration sent Truck 300 south to a mine site near Tucson, Arizona. The project involved doing a Deviation Survey in a horizontal
well to a depth of 800 ft. The well borehole was drilled primarily for dewatering purposes at the mine. In order to successfully run the Deviation Survey, our company teamed
up with Schlumberger (http://www.slb.com/) to try and problem solve the logistics of “pushing” a 6 ft. long geophysical tool 800 ft. horizontally. A Fiber Glass Rod (FGR)
Reel was used in conjunction with our logging system and truck to complete the task. As tension was held on the wireline to ensure accurate depth measurements, the wireline
on the SWEXP logging truck was taped to the more rigid FGR as it was advanced further into the high wall. In order to advance the tool with the FGR, a team of 5 people from
SWEXP, Schlumberger, and Jensen drilling manually pushed the taped wireline/FGR. This project was new and challenging, but with positive teamwork and communication we were
able to accurately produce a Deviation Survey for the client! This is the first of 2 holes for the project and we are excited to use what we learned on the first trip in the
near future.

]]>http://swexp.com/horizontal-geophysical-logging-near-tucson-az/feed/0291Retro-Fitting Winches with new 2 HP Motorshttp://swexp.com/retro-fitting-winches-with-new-2-hp-motors/
http://swexp.com/retro-fitting-winches-with-new-2-hp-motors/#respondMon, 28 Dec 2015 15:31:36 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=284In the past few weeks, when time has permitted, we have been upgrading two of our trucks (310 and 900 – bottom picture) with new 2 Horsepower motors. In the picture below, Michael Quinones (left) and Kevin Mitchell (right) work to find the optimal position in the logging cab for the new motor/winch combination. When finished, the upgraded motors were tested extensively in our 700 ft. test well at the shop in Chandler, Arizona. At similar depths, the tripping in and out speeds of the new motor greatly overshadowed the older model. The new motors readily bring even our heaviest tools to the surface at speeds near 270 ft. /min! The older model motors would only operate at speeds up to roughly 120 ft./min. This should increase our efficiency in the field and help to minimize driller down time for our clients!
]]>http://swexp.com/retro-fitting-winches-with-new-2-hp-motors/feed/0284Truck 200 Travels to Northern Nevadahttp://swexp.com/truck-200-travels-to-northern-nevada/
http://swexp.com/truck-200-travels-to-northern-nevada/#respondMon, 28 Dec 2015 15:19:49 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=280An exciting project for SWEXP took truck 200 into northern Nevada recently. Truck 200 is a compact, van-style logging vehicle that is well-suited for small drill pads and longer driving distances from our Phoenix home base. It also has the added benefit of being 4X4 capable! This trip was the continuation of a drilling project that started this past summer. This latest adventure included running a Combo tool (Nat. Gamma, Caliper, Temp., Fluid Res.), E-Log IP with magnetic susceptibility, and WellNav Gyroscope. The drill hole was HQ diameter, and was logged in multiple sections to minimize the likelihood of getting blocked off or stuck in the hole with our tools. The total depth of the drilling was approximately 3600 ft. While logging in sections was time consuming, it mitigated the risk and ultimately yielded an excellent set of geophysical logs that will benefit the client in finding and defining their ore body.
]]>http://swexp.com/truck-200-travels-to-northern-nevada/feed/0280Geophysical Logging at 9600 ft. of Elevation in Utahhttp://swexp.com/geophysical-logging-at-9600-ft-of-elevation-in-utah/
http://swexp.com/geophysical-logging-at-9600-ft-of-elevation-in-utah/#respondTue, 27 Oct 2015 22:23:45 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=271Truck 800 recently went on a two week adventure that took it to both Nevada and Utah. As seen below in the photos, the drill site location in Utah was high in the mountains overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. The work included running the latest 2nd generation Acoustic Televiewer over roughly a 1500 ft. section of the drill hole. The drill crew is currently at 6000 ft. deep and planning on proceeding to 6500 ft. before finishing the hole. The quality and resolution of the ABI Televiewer data obtained is second to none, and allowed the oriented fractures to be picked and characterized in extremely high detail. This data will certainly aid the client in further characterizing their mineralized ore bodies!

]]>http://swexp.com/geophysical-logging-at-9600-ft-of-elevation-in-utah/feed/0271Newly Purchased “Truck 900” On Site in New Mexicohttp://swexp.com/newly-purchased-truck-900-on-site-in-new-mexico/
http://swexp.com/newly-purchased-truck-900-on-site-in-new-mexico/#respondThu, 24 Sep 2015 22:33:48 +0000http://swexp.com/?p=264Southwest Exploration recently purchased a new 2015 Dodge Ram 5500! The truck had an ambulance body from one of our “retired” trucks mounted on the chassis and voila: Truck 900. The truck is outfitted with an electric winch system powered by a brand new Honda 7000 (5500 Watt) generator, and is capable of reaching depths up to 4500 ft. The truck is equipped with 4-wheel drive and is meant for logging in difficult terrane. Truck 900 is also mine-site ready and has all the necessary safety equipment required by MSHA. The logging system and wireline on this truck are optimal for any geophysical logging needed: Caliper, Nat. Gamma, E-Logs, Acousitc/Optical Televiewers, etc. You name the tool and this truck can run it!